South Africa coach Heyneke Meyer has called for improvement after they opened their Rugby Championship campaign with a scrappy 13-6 win over Argentina on Saturday.

The game was played in dreadful conditions in Pretoria with both teams struggling to keep hold of the ball but Ruan Pienaar's early try helped the Boks to an opening win. Meyer now wants to see his side push on against Argentina in Buenos Aires this weekend and continue their unbeaten run in 2014.

"It was a tough start in difficult conditions for both teams, but we simply have to execute better this weekend in Salta," Meyer said. "We have first-hand experience on how tough it is over here from our last two visits to Argentina.

"They are a very proud rugby nation and have improved immensely over the last number of years. The players know they have to be 100% sharp and focused when we hit the training field this week. It's a great challenge to improve on our results here from 2012 and 2013, but we have to be at our best."

The Springboks have called up Warren Whiteley as cover for the injured Willem Alberts.